Aluminum 6061 vs 7075: Properties, Machinability & Cost

Engineering comparison of Aluminum 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 for CNC machined parts from Olympus Machining LLC, an ITAR-registered precision CNC machine shop in Hanover, Pennsylvania. 6061-T6 is a magnesium-silicon alloy with ~45 ksi tensile strength, excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and anodizing — the default for fluid-handling, marine, and cosmetic anodized parts. 7075-T6 is a zinc-magnesium-copper alloy with ~83 ksi tensile strength, ~70 machinability rating, but is not weldable and costs 2–3× more — the default for aerospace structural fittings, defense receivers, and high-load brackets per AMS 4045. Includes property comparison table, machinability notes, DFM guidance, and common applications. CAGE 9V9P0, CMMC Level 1.